Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (46 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Fort Des Moines area of Des Moines.

The Pointe on Fleur

Valley Acres Apartments

Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment Homes

The Hampton Meadows

3712 SE 14th St

3726 SE 14th St
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

3720 SE 14th St

3722 SE 14th St

Park Ridge Apartments

3716 SE 14th St

3724 SE 14th St

Evergreen Terrace

The Meadows

3718 SE 14th St
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Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes

McKinley Apartments

Finn Apartments

5015 SW 9th St
Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants
Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.
Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Fort Des Moines?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Fort Des Moines Studio Apartments | $971 | $735 | $1,115 |
Fort Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $984 | $575 | $1,585 |
Fort Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,003 | $583 | $2,425 |
Fort Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,642 | $950 | $2,575 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 46 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Fort Des Moines Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Fort Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at Sutton Hill priced from $583. Melbourne has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $627. Here are the most affordable Fort Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Sutton Hill | B2 | 2BR,1BA | $583 |
Melbourne | A2 - 40 - Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $627 |
The Pointe on Fleur | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $685 |
Park Forest | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
Somerset | B3 | 2BR,1BA | $707 |
1201 E Bell Avenue | One Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee* | 1BR,1BA | $715 |
Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment Homes | S1Pwv | Studio,1BA | $735 |
The Hampton Meadows | A1 - Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $740 |
Goldbriar Chateau | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $750 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Fort Des Moines, IA
As of May 12, 2025 the best value apartment in the Fort Des Moines area is the $0.91 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows in the in the Somerset neighborhood starting from $950. The second greatest value Fort Des Moines apartment is the 2 Bedroom Model at Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes starting at $850 with a $0.89 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Fort Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
The Meadows | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $0.91 |
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.89 |
Somerset | B4 | 2BR,2BA | $1.07 |
McKinley Apartments | 2BD/1.5BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.99 |
Southern Park Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $0.96 |
Sutton Hill | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $1.03 |
Park Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.11 |
The Pointe on Fleur | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.01 |
1201 E Bell Avenue | One Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee* | 1BR,1BA | $1.08 |
Park Forest | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $1.10 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in metropolitan areas across the United States including Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Getting Around the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA
Walk Score®
50 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
41 / 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Minimal bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
31 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Fort Des Moines Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Fort Des Moines?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Fort Des Moines is under $750.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Fort Des Moines?
The cheapest apartment in Fort Des Moines is Melbourne which is listed at $627, while the average apartment in Fort Des Moines costs $1,285.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Fort Des Moines?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 43 regular apartments in Fort Des Moines that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Fort Des Moines?
Cheap apartments in Fort Des Moines have an average cost of $226 which is $1,059 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Fort Des Moines.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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